WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a game dominated by defense, the D.C. Defenders held off the Memphis Showboats 17-12 on Saturday night at Audi Field, improving their record to 2-0 in the 2025 UFL season.

First Half: Field Goals Dominate

The first half saw both teams struggling to find the end zone, resulting in a series of field goals. Memphis opened the scoring with a 22-yard field goal by Matt Coghlin in the first quarter. D.C. responded in the second quarter with two field goals from Matt McCrane, giving the Defenders a 6-3 lead at halftime.

Third Quarter: Defenders Extend Lead

Early in the third quarter, McCrane added his third field goal of the night, extending D.C.’s lead to 9-3. Memphis answered with another field goal from Coghlin, narrowing the gap to 9-6 as the game headed into the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Touchdowns Decide the Outcome

The game’s first touchdown came early in the fourth quarter when Showboats quarterback E.J. Perry broke free for a 16-yard rushing score, giving Memphis a 12-9 lead with 11:47 remaining. The Defenders quickly responded; a 45-yard pass from Jordan Ta’amu to Chris Rowland set up a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ben Bresnahan. A successful two-point conversion on a reverse pass from Rowland to Ta’amu put D.C. ahead 17-12.

Defensive Stand Seals Victory

Memphis had a chance to reclaim the lead, driving to the D.C. 25-yard line. However, their 43-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Defenders’ Devonnsha Maxwell, preserving the lead. D.C. managed the clock effectively, leaving only one second for Memphis, whose final play was unsuccessful, sealing the Defenders’ victory.

Standout Performances

• E.J. Perry (Memphis): Completed 18 of 28 passes for 205 yards and an interception; added 26 rushing yards and a touchdown on four carries.​
• Jonathan Adams (Memphis): Recorded nine receptions for 128 yards, becoming the first UFL receiver this season to surpass 100 receiving yards in a game.​
• Steele Chambers (Memphis): Tallied 10 total tackles, marking his second consecutive game with double-digit tackles.
• Jordan Ta’amu (D.C.): Led the Defenders’ offense, highlighted by his pivotal 45-yard pass to Rowland and the game-winning touchdown pass to Bresnahan.​

The Defenders will look to maintain their undefeated record as they prepare for their next matchup, while the Showboats aim to rebound from their 0-2 start.